February is Black History Month and Macaroni Kid Westbank wants to showcase some amazing African Americans that have changed our lives. This week we have chosen Five African Americans whose inventions have definitely contributed to make our lives better.
Garrett Morgan
Garrett Morgan was an African American inventor, businessman and community leader. He invented a gas mask in 1914 This breathing device became the prototype and precursor of the gas masks used during World War I. This invention earned him the first prize at the Second International Exposition of Safety and Sanitation in New York City. Morgan also invented the three position traffic signal, the basic version of today's three-way traffic light
Dr. Charles Richard Drew
Dr. Charles R. Drew was an African American surgeon and medical researcher. He researched in the field of blood transfusions. He change the world developing improved techniques for blood storage. He was the pioneer the first large-scale Blood Bank.
Dr. Patricia E. Bath
Dr. Patricia E. Bath is an African American Ophthalmologist. In 1986, she invented a new device and technique for cataract surgery. Her invention was called Laserphaco probe. She was the first woman ophthalmologist to be appointed to the faculty of UCLA School of Medicine Jules Stein Eye Institute.
Marie Van Brittan Brown
Marie Van Brittan Brown was a nurse and innovator. In 1966, she invented the home security system along her husband Albert Brown. She applied for a patent that was granted in 1969
Alice H Parker
Alice H. Parker was an African American inventor in the early 20th century. She invented and obtained a patent in 1919 for a central heating system that uses natural gas. Thanks to this invention, many people, today we have warm homes during winter.
Reference:
Wikipedia.com , Blackpast.org , biography.com
Images from wikimedia.com
